What to do with a REALLY bad floor?

[buildyourown]

My small detached was built in the 50s? and I think they just took buckets of concrete and tossed it on the floor. 1 half is decent, the other half is horrid. I have my mill and lathe on the decent side.
For logistical and financial reasons, a repour isn't really an option. I've thought about putting some self leveler down and then using sheets of OSB to create a floor. I've seen this done in basements and commercial spaces and it looks decent and is cheap. Problem is, I sometimes get water so I think OSB would get ruined in a few years.
Ideas?
Options?

 

[trythis]

I have basically the same situation. Concrete on half, asphalt on the other. MY asphalt varies due to old house foundations under it, the concrete is broken. It's horrible. I have to make money to pay for a repour, which will take for-ever!

I am just leaving it for now,but my question is are teh two floor even? What happens if you raise one side? Can you use it that way?
I would also say wood is out if you ever plan to weld.

 

[nehog]

OSB would ****, IMHO, but maybe CDX sheathing (ply)? That's waterproof. Lay 2x4s face down to minimize rise, and maximize surface, say at 12" centers (this would create a span gap between each of about 8 to 9 inches), then the ply on top (with the C side facing upwards...) I'd use a stapler to fasten down to the 2x4's, but nails might be usable as well.

Anywhere there was a seam, lay a 2x4 so there are no unsupported joints.

I've done a number of basement floors this way.

 

[holland_patrick]

What about the stuff from HD that has the plastic backing on it made for cement floor???

 

[AlphaGarage]

How much area are you dealing with, what's the height differential?

Could you post a few pics? Try include an item for scale - a quarter or such.

 

[buildyourown]

OSB would ****, IMHO, but maybe CDX sheathing (ply)? That's waterproof. Lay 2x4s face down to minimize rise, and maximize surface, say at 12" centers (this would create a span gap between each of about 8 to 9 inches), then the ply on top (with the C side facing upwards...) I'd use a stapler to fasten down to the 2x4's, but nails might be usable as well.

.

I was thinking of just laying the OSB straight on the concrete. The 24" square panels at HD was my inspiration. The price made me think I could do it myself.
Welding isn't an issue as all I ever do it TIG. I worked in a shop for years with a plywood floor and it was fine with lots of grinding and brazing and welding.

The 2x4 risers might solve my water dilemma. I could use pressure treat and CDX ply so occasional water wouldn't ruin it.
Thanks.

 

[thegarageguy]

Without pics this thread is worthless. You mentioned self levelers. Well you have many formulas for that. The one that is seen most is a gypsum based product. It's great if you are going to cover it with tile or wood but its not a wear surface. Its basically sheetrock cement. Soft as hell. It will not hold up in a garage.

I'd love to steer you the right way but it sounds like you'll need professional help with professional products.

Get us some pics!

 

[djjsr]

One possibility is to resurface the concrete. The driveway in this picture was resurfaced with a slurry mix. I sold the house 8 years later and it still looked pretty good.